How Do I Help Install a New Printer With Vista?

If you have a friend who bought a printer and needs help, you can guide them through the process of installing the Vista printer or you can install the printer for your friend. Vista has a wizard that helps users install printers, so they do not need to manually install drivers. Vista detects the printer and installs default drivers, or you can use the driver disc provided by your printer manufacturer.

Things You'll Need

• Printer cable

Instructions

1. Connect the printer to your computer's USB port using the cable included with the printer. After the printer connection is made, click the Windows "Start" button and select "Control Panel." A window opens with a list of utilities.

2. Click "Printer" in the "Hardware and Sound" section. This link lists all of the printers installed on the computer, including internal Windows printers. Click the "Add a printer" button to start the wizard.

3. Click "Add a local printer" in the next window that lists your options. Leave the default port labeled "LPT1" in the drop-down box. Click "Next." The next window lists all of the internal drivers for printer manufacturers.

4. Click the printer manufacturer and printer model in the list of printers. If you have the manufacturer's disk, click "Have Disk" and insert the disc in the drive. Click "OK" then click "Next" to install the printer drivers.

5. Type a name for your printer in the final window. Click "Next." Notice the window closes and the printer is listed in the Vista Control Panel.

References

• Microsoft: Add or Remove a Printer
• Vista 4 Beginners: How to Install a Local Printer